Question about flashlights (groan)

[matt363]

(I'd like to open an apology beforehand in case this starts some kinda equipment flame war...and please redirect if I need to post this in a different forum)

Hey everyone,

I'm a Tech consultant by day, and got sick of not really "giving back" to my community, so I joined the volunteer fire department (throwing my change from morning coffee into the "make a wish" bucket felt like a cop-out).

Anyway, Inside my academy, I was paired up with 2 laterals, both with a ton of experience. I came into academy not realizing that the hydrant plugs into the engine, and not directly into the attack hose (yeah yeah..I know), and feel that I wouldn't have made it out without them dragging me around the fire grounds and spending extra days pulling preconnect, throwing ladders, and donning that DARN SCBA on in under a minute.

That said, I wish to thank them by getting them a token of appreciation, one they can use for a long time.

I've just recieved my quarterly bonus from work, and want to buy them both REALLY good flashlights. I'm in over my head when it comes to such things, but at the same time, I like to do a lot of research to make sure I'm getting them good quality stuff. (now, if they needed say, a GREAT video card..I'd be GOLDEN)

I like the idea of getting them the right-angle ones that clip to their turnout pockets, but I don't know what I'm looking for in brands/features/reliability/whatever.

Any help you all can give me or directions you can point me in would be really appreciated.

Thanks
Matt

[FFTide]

Pelican ("Big ED") and Streamlight ("Survivor") are the two best names I've dealt with for personal lights. If you buy the rechargeable ones you'll be looking at about $110 for a survuvor with charger and $150 for the big ed. But if you get the big ed that runs on normal C -Cell batteries you're talking about $70. Up to you I know they'll probably really appreciate it.

Oh, and welcome to the fire service :)

[baileydonk]

Damn, Matt, you're a sweetie! :)

Really not meant as flirting, it's just that was such a nice post - it made my day!

Sharon

[matt363]

Pelican ("Big ED") and Streamlight ("Survivor") are the two best names I've dealt with for personal lights. If you buy the rechargeable ones you'll be looking at about $110 for a survuvor with charger and $150 for the big ed. But if you get the big ed that runs on normal C -Cell batteries you're talking about $70. Up to you I know they'll probably really appreciate it.

Oh, and welcome to the fire service :)

w00t! (darnit..that nerd slips out from time to time)..thanks for the advice.

Now..throw yourself in this situation. You're running into a fire. There are one of each sitting on the engine.

(ok..this whole scenerio breaks down because um..I would prolly just grab the little piece of ABS plastic that projects the shiney light and grab a hose..but work with me here)

When will you take which one, and why?

See..I AM a research nerd.

And to the other poster...*shux ma'am*

[baileydonk]

Two sets of rechargeable batteries and a separate charger to swap them into, that's great, but I don't want to have to put the flashlight itself into a charger at any point - I want that flashlight to be *always and constantly* attached to my turnout coat.

Sharon

[BILL111]

If your only comparing the the two, then the survivor is a better choice, the light beam is more constant and the casing is more durable. Either one would do the job.

[matt363]

Do you recommend any others that I should look at?

[doughesson]

Dittoes but you might also consider the rechargeable model.It costs more but saves batteries.
I have a Little Ed that I feed rechargeable NiMH types and it works just fine.Going on public service runs to the schools,I can let the kiddies play with the light and know that I just need to stick the batteris in the charger and will be ready again soon.And,yes,I do have spares,even though the NiMHs aren't supposed to develop a memory when repeatedly charged after a certain use time.


Pelican ("Big ED") and Streamlight ("Survivor") are the two best names I've dealt with for personal lights. If you buy the rechargeable ones you'll be looking at about $110 for a survuvor with charger and $150 for the big ed. But if you get the big ed that runs on normal C -Cell batteries you're talking about $70. Up to you I know they'll probably really appreciate it.

Oh, and welcome to the fire service :)

[pfd4life]

Get the Big Ed, the Survivor is good, but they don't offer a battery version..I don' think...also look at the Pelican Saberlight LED, with the Re-coil. I have one, and the light it puts out is UNBELIEVABLE.

[matt363]

I really appreciate the help you've all given me.

I'll take a look at a few different models now. I'm just kinda relieved I have a place to look!

Thanks again,

Matt

[dmleblanc]

If you're going for a right-angle light, you really can't go wrong with either choice....I've used both and they both work great.

One little edge to the Pelican....Pelican has a lifetime warranty on all of their lights. Even if the light gets trashed through your own carelessness (like run over by a truck or whatever) they'll repair or replace it free of charge, no questions asked (I know they'll do it too....it got some solvent-based cleaner on mine once and it clouded up the lens...they sent me a whole new lens and head assembly, no problem). Just one little thing to consider.

Not knocking the Survivor lights at all, they also make a great light.

The Koehler Responder is another brand/model you might look at, although I don't have any personal experience with it.

Congrats on your start in the fire service, and I think you are very thoughtful to thank those guys this way. They're sure to appreciate it!

[doughesson]

You'll find everyone has their favorites that work for them.That's the major criteria that should be considered:"What works for ME?"Just like the Chevy/Dodge/Ford argument in NASCAR,we can talk til we're all blue in the face about which is the best light,but the one YOU use and are comfortable with going into burning buildings with is the best flashlight on the market.

I really appreciate the help you've all given me.

I'll take a look at a few different models now. I'm just kinda relieved I have a place to look!

Thanks again,

Matt

[N2DFire]

Pelican now offers a "Little Ed" w/ Recoil LED. I have 30 of these coming thanks to our recent AFG grant.

I have owned a couple of Pelican lights over the years and I have never been disapointed by their quality and the service of the company.

Recently just broke a helmet mount - e-mailed them and asked about the replacment and a possible upgrade - replay came back on the same day to call 800 number and everything would be taken care of- incl. the upgrade.

[PFDTruck18]

I had the bright star responder right angle. IT SUCKED!!! Pull a couple ceiling and the push button design no longer functioned. Had to clean it out everytime, took more maintance than our damn saws. I got the survivor and havent had a problem since.

[firebuffE12]

try looking on www.thefirestore.com i got a cheap one that clips on to my helmet.. it works pretty good but once i decide to get a really good one id prolly go to one of the models the others have said. they do sell those on thefirestore.com if ur looking for a place to buy them.... ebay does too

[fireman4949]

I've used both the Survivor and the Bg Ed (both rechargable). In my opinion, the Big Ed is brighter, albeit slightly heavier. I have had my Big Ed for about 3-4 years now and it has taken a beating and is still going strong.

I have been in fires hot enough to completely melt my bourkes and the light has held up with no problems. It has been completely submerged a couple of times and is no worse for wear. It's a very tough and durable light, as is the Survivor.

Either one is a good choice.

Often, places like Thefirestore.com will run special sales or deals that include extra batteries or dual voltage chargers at great prices.




Kevin

[erics99]

I had the bright star responder right angle. IT SUCKED!!! Pull a couple ceiling and the push button design no longer functioned. Had to clean it out everytime, took more maintance than our damn saws. I got the survivor and havent had a problem since.

Had the same problem with mine as well. Could never turn the damn thing on when I needed to. When I was at FDIC this year I talked to the sales rep about the problem. He gave me a free light right on the spot. So I have that one on reserve, and I use my department issued Streamlight Survivior. Too bad those lights only last 1.5 hours (I think).

[Gx7E10]

I have a C Battery Big Ed and haven't had any problems with the light. I like the Big Ed over the Survivor because it seems thinner and doesn't stick out as much.

[doughesson]

My Little Ed has two problems of sorts.The switch is tricky for me to get turned on.It takes some figuring to find the"sweet spot"where the light stays on.
That's why I don't loan it out.I am NOT that enamored of any inanimate object.
The other "problem is the clip keeps bending loose and I have to ensure that my radio pocket flap is secured befor ebending over unless I want to pick the thing up yet again.
I can deal with them until I can afford a Big Ed or other side mounted switch light.

I have a C Battery Big Ed and haven't had any problems with the light. I like the Big Ed over the Survivor because it seems thinner and doesn't stick out as much.

[mcaldwell]

We recently bought Big Ed rechargeable's and they are quite popular with the guys now.

They have an excellent lifetime warranty as well.